Clwb Pel-Droed caught up with Barry Town United goalkeeper Mike Lewis this week ahead of the Vale of Glamorgan’s outfit Welsh Premier League clash with Aberyswyth Town.
Lewis admitted he is relishing the Welsh Premier League challenge and he can’t wait to get started ahead of their campaign opener against Aberyswyth Town at Jenner Park on Sunday.
– With the Welsh Premier League fastly approaching, how are you feeling going into Sunday’s game?
“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started now. We have worked really hard during pre season and we are all looking forward to Sundays game. We have a big week of training ahead of us, but we are relishing being back in the WPL.”
– How important is it for you and the lads to get off to a positive start against Aberyswyth?
“Of course we want to get off to a good start in front of our faithful and adoring home fans, but we are under no illusions how tough Sunday will be. Aberystwyth have appointed Neville Powell who’s record speaks for itself and they have made some very good signings.”
– What are you most looking forward to going into the new season?
“I am looking forward to testing myself against the best in the Welsh premier league. It is a great league and the quality is improving year on year. We know how competitive and challenging the league is but we will give it our best shot.”
– How has the pre-season preperation gone? You recorded a very impressive victory over Newport County, a League two side and recorded another clean sheet – you must have been delighted.
“Pre season has been tough, we have trained hard both physically and tactically to make sure we are well equipped for the demands of WPL football.
It was a very good performance against Newport County but the result / clean sheet count for very little. What was more pleasing was our application and discipline, which will be needed for the forthcoming season.”
– What are your realistic ambitions? Are you looking to maybe replicate what Cardiff MET did last season in challenging for a place in Europe?
“If we all perform to our potential then we will be competitive. We obviously have in house goals and will be taking each game as it comes. As a club we are solely focussed on Sundays match against Aberystwyth.
What Cardiff Met did last season was a fantastic achievement and they deserve immense credit.”
– You were defensively sound last season, which included you breaking the Welsh League Division One record for most clean sheets – how much of a confidence booster is that for yourself going into what is set to be a gruelling season for you?
“I had 21 clean sheets last year was a fantastic achievement by the team, however that counts for very little this season. As a club we pride ourselves on being organised and defending from the front so hopefully that will hold us in good stead.
Let’s not forget though, the Welsh Premier league is a completely different challenge, it’s going to be very tough but we are excited.”
– Finally, have you set any new challenges for yourself going into the new season – is there a clean sheet goal you are aiming for as such?
“The only challenge I’ve set myself is to consistently perform to help the team. If I can contribute to the team being successful then that’s all that matters.”
(Featured image: BarryTownUnited)
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